We come here to honor those who lost, those who survived and the families whose lives are changed forever. We will never forget the unspeakable devastation of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Remember our loved ones who were taken from us. May this memorial help us move forward with dignity, strength, peace, serenity, and hope in tribute to the heroes of our lives.
About the Memorial:
The Town of Babylon September 11th Hometown Memorial located at Cedar Beach was dedicated on September 11th, 2005 in memory of those who lost their lives and were affected by the events on September 11th, 2001. Since its inception, the Town of Babylon has held an annual remembrance vigil at the site with the families of those who were lost, local fire departments, community leaders and fellow residents in attendance.
A true "living memorial," the 1.41 acre monument serves to reflect the natural atmosphere of the barrier beaches and surrounding ocean dune environment that is cherished by those who have called Babylon home. The scenic views of the location and open space provides a tranquil environment for remembrance and reflection. Maintained by the Town of Babylon Department of Environmental Control, the memorial features plaques honoring the fallen, a fountain, a pergola and native plant life. Events held at the site include memorial gatherings, service stewardship for plants and birds and educational tours.
A Living Memorial:
The Town of Babylon September 11th Hometown Memorial is a part of the Living Memorials Project of the U.S. Forest Service. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Living Memorials Project "invokes the resonating power of trees to bring people together and create lasting, living memorials to the victims of terrorism, their families, communities, and the nation." Unlike other monuments, living memorials incorporate natural elements of the surrounding area into their design by encouraging landscape growth to allow the native environment to truly live within the site.
Set amidst the surrounding natural atmosphere of Cedar Beach, the memorial is designed to allow the indigenous plant species to thrive as a celebration of life. Among those species that can be found growing at the memorial are:
- Arbor vitae (Cupressaceae)
- Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)
- Beach lavender (possibly Limonium carolinianum)
- Beach plum (Prunus spp.)
- Blue Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
- Blue stem grass
- Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
- Coriopsis
- Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- False cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.)
- Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
- Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota)
- Rosa rugosa
- Seaside goldenrod (possibly Solidago sempervirens)
- Shore juniper (ground cover)
